§ 5 §19503 — Definitions

As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings.
1.
Abuse.
"Abuse" means the act or failure to act, knowingly, recklessly or intentionally, that causes, or may cause, injury or death. "Abuse" includes, but is not limited to, rape or sexual assault, the striking of an individual, the use of excessive force in the use of bodily restraints, the use of bodily or chemical restraints in a manner that is not in compliance with federal and state laws, regulations and rules and verbal, nonverbal, mental and emotional harassment.
2.
Agency.
"Agency" means the protection and advocacy agency for persons with disabilities, designated by the Governor.
2-A.
Complaint.
"Complaint" means, but is not limited to, any report or communication, formal or informal, written or oral, including media accounts and telephone calls from any source, including anonymous calls, alleging abuse or neglect of a person with a disability.
3.
Developmental disability.
"Developmental disability" means a disability attributable to a mental or physical impairment or combination of mental and physical impairments that:
4.
Exploitation.
"Exploitation" means the illegal or improper use of an individual or the individual's resources for another's profit or advantage.
5.
Facility.
"Facility" means any foster home; boarding home; nursing home; group home; hospital; state mental health institute; state-operated psychiatric treatment facility; state, county or municipal correctional or detention facility; shelter; or any other facility licensed or funded by the State, or any subdivision of the State, for the provision of services, supports and other assistance or residential services or treatment. "Facility" includes any facility providing services, supports and other assistance or residential services or treatment that operates without a license that is required by law, ordinance or rule.
6.
Learning disability.
"Learning disability" means a disorder exhibited in one or more of the basic psychological processes involved in understanding or in using language, spoken or written, that may manifest itself in an imperfect ability to listen, think, speak, read, write, spell or to do mathematical calculations.
7.
Mental illness.
"Mental illness" means a significant mental illness or emotional impairment, as determined by a qualified mental health professional.
8.
Neglect.
"Neglect" means a negligent act or omission that causes or may cause an individual's injury or death or that places an individual at risk of injury or death. "Neglect" includes, but is not limited to, failure to establish or carry out an individual program, treatment or habilitation plan or the deprivation of or failure to meet essential needs, including needs for adequate nutrition, clothing, health care and a safe environment.
9.
Personnel.
"Personnel" means staff employed by the agency.
10.
Person with a disability.
"Person with a disability" means a person with a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more of the major life activities of that person and includes, but is not limited to, a person with a developmental disability, a learning disability or a mental illness.
11.
Probable cause.
"Probable cause" means a reasonable ground for belief that a person with a disability has been or may be subject to abuse or neglect. The belief may be based on reasonable inferences drawn from experience or training regarding similar incidents, conditions or problems that are usually associated with abuse or neglect.

Legislative History

PL 1989, c. 837, §1 (NEW). PL 2001, c. 357, §§4-10 (AMD). RR 2001, c. 1, §13 (COR).